BTPS Newsletter

At the heart of everything we do in our schools is a shared belief in the power of literacy to transform lives. Whether it’s a child discovering the joy of a great story, solving a tricky math problem, or explaining a science experiment, literacy is the thread that ties it all together. It’s more than reading and writing—it’s about giving our students the tools they need to understand the world and express themselves in it. Together, we have the privilege of building these skills in every classroom and for every child, regardless of age or subject area.

I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your incredible work supporting literacy across our schools. From helping students decode their first words to encouraging them to think critically in every subject, your efforts create lifelong learners. Whether you’re a teacher, librarian, EA, or someone who helps students find their voice in other ways, your work makes a difference. Every strategy you teach, every resource you share, and every encouraging word helps our students gain the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

Over the next few weeks, there are wonderful opportunities to celebrate literacy. Family Literacy Day on January 27 is a great time to encourage families to read, learn, and share stories together. Soon after, Freedom to Read Week highlights the value of diverse ideas and the importance of intellectual freedom.

We’d love to hear how you’re celebrating literacy this month! Please share photos and stories from your classrooms and schools to showcase the creative ways you’re engaging students and families. Thank you for making literacy a priority and helping open doors to a brighter future for every child.

Be Well,

Michelle

Check out the Board Highlights from the January 15 Regular Meeting.

Highlights include: Board Updates, Student Engagement, Superintendent's Department, Stakeholder Engagements, and 2025 Election.

You can read the full summary here.

WES is buzzing with activity! Our students have been enjoying some outdoor winter fun!

Grades 4-6 are preparing for the 36th Annual Jump Rope for Heart on February 12, 2025.

The kindergarten classes took part in their annual Kinderwalk on January 22 and 23. They each collected pledges, and on the day of the event wore their best "beachy" attire and ran 20 laps of the gym. After they were done, they enjoyed some rewards donated by local businesses: water bottles from Webbs Ford 14 41, personalized keychains from Beyond a Beaten Path, and sunglasses from Eyes in Town. A big thank you goes out to all of our wonderful sponsors and our parent helpers!

Our Grade 4/5W students explored the rich traditions of Northwest Indigenous culture in Social Studies. As a creative extension of their learning, they crafted beautiful totem poles that reflect animals they deeply resonate with. This project not only enhances their understanding of Indigenous heritage but also allows them to express their personal connections to nature and culture through art. We are proud of their hard work and creativity!

Grade 3’s participated in Paleontology Day on January 23rd. Our grade 3 paleontologists investigated how fossilized dinosaur bones have been found in Alberta and explored that dinosaurs lived on Earth millions of years ago.

Two high school students have taken on the role of modelling and creating belonging. These students visit our classrooms weekly and engage in fun activities that promote belonging and foster a spirit of inclusivity and teamwork.

Our Student Leadership Advisory Council has been working closely with staff to continue to foster our shared vision of belonging, perseverance and active learning. Every Tuesday, older students eat lunch with younger students and are treated to a special snack of cookies or muffins.

Provost Public School hosted an Off Campus Programming Information Night. Representatives from Dual Credit, Work Experience, Green Certificate, and CTS were available to support families in learning more about these programs. Information was also shared regarding high school credentials and pathways.

After many years and so many stories, Mr. Pylypow has decided to retire. It was an honour to celebrate Mr. P’s positive impact and story at PPS. Some of his students presented him with a “Retirement Survival Kit”, and colleagues, who were once his students, told stories of their days as a student with Mr. P. The celebration ended with Mr. P inviting some of his colleagues to the front where Mr. P entertained us with a rendition of “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley. The assembly was full of both tears and laughter as we celebrated Mr. P’s retirement with him.

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is excited to welcome Iman Yehia to the team as our new Administrative Assistant at Central Office!

Congratulations on this new role, Iman, and welcome to BTPS!

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is excited to celebrate Family Literacy Day on January 27, 2025!

This annual event, created by ABC Life Literacy Canada, highlights the importance of reading and engaging in literacy activities as a family. This year’s theme, “Learn to be Green, Together,” encourages families to explore fun and educational ways to be environmentally friendly while learning together.

How can your family "Learn to be Green"?

• Use Less Electricity: Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use.
• Commute Together: Walk, bike, or carpool as a family.
• Reuse and Repurpose: Get creative with upcycling projects.

Reading and learning together not only boosts children’s literacy skills but also strengthens family bonds. It’s a meaningful way for families to connect and grow.

Visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca to access free resources and find inspiration for fun activities to make literacy and environmental awareness part of your family’s daily life. Together, let’s embrace literacy, learning, and sustainability. 🌍📖💚

BTPS continues reaching out to educational stakeholders assuring the educational program, sharing results, and seeking input on direction. Parents/guardians, students, staff, school council, and community members all have unique experiences, and we need representation from all these stakeholders to get a complete understanding of how BTPS is meeting needs.

The 2023-2027 Education Plan highlights three priorities:

1. Supporting Learning Success for All Students
2. Fostering Safe & Caring Learning Environments
3. Building Strong Collaborations

The purpose of this engagement is to:

• Share with stakeholders the highlights of the Annual Education Results
• Check-in on direction around strengths and challenges moving forward
• Identify areas of focus for 2025-2026

Educational stakeholders are invited and encouraged to attend one of the following meetings that best fits their schedule.

• Monday, February 3
• Tuesday, February 11
• Thursday, February 20
• Wednesday, February 26

All meetings will be held online from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Visit the BTPS website for full details and for the link to join the meetings.

The Board of Buffalo Trail Public Schools is a member of the Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards. On the RCASB website it showcases ‘Flourishing Stories” from rural Alberta schools.

This month, Buffalo Trail Public Schools was proud to showcase the Math Diploma Review Program.

BTPS has identified improving student results in secondary mathematics as a key focus in the 2024-2025 Education Plan. This focus is driven by insights from the Annual Education Results Report (AERR), which highlighted the importance of supporting students in achieving strong results on mathematics diploma exams.

In a show of dedication and collaboration, a group of BTPS educators has developed a comprehensive 12-hour Math 30-1 and Math 30-2 diploma review program. These teachers dedicated their time on Saturdays in December to design this initiative, which not only supports students but also fosters professional growth and the sharing of effective teaching strategies.

The program was delivered through online evening sessions throughout January, along with a full-day session. Open to all BTPS students, this format ensured accessibility and provided comprehensive support for diploma exam preparation.

With over 85 students registered, the strong response reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of principals, staff, students and families across the division. This initiative aligns with BTPS’ focus on collaboration, innovation, and creating opportunities for student success.

BTPS is excited to see the impact of this initiative on student achievement and remains committed to supporting all learners in reaching their full potential.

Exciting things are happening in February! Once again, BTPS is challenging each school to participate in Literacy Month! All month long, with the big kick-off happening on February 7th, schools can participate in different challenges to earn points for their school. The winners will receive an awesome prize, including bragging rights for the year! Good luck, everyone, and have fun!

Let's do lunch! Curt and Stacy are hosting a lunch and learn AI session to introduce BTPS' CLEAR prompting framework. Stay for a little or stay for a while! We hope to see you there!

• Positive Solutions – Virtual sessions for caregivers & parents of children 0-6. Dates, times and registration details in the attached poster. First session starts next week.
• Jan & Feb program Guides – Information on the Indoor Playground hours @ MFC in Lloydminster, along with additional program details
• Mothers First - A weekly group for new moms who may be experiencing stress, anxiety or post-partem depression, though is open to all moms with babies. Held @ MFC.
• Ages & Stages and Ages & Stages: Social-Emotional Questionnaires (ASQ & ASQ:SE) – These are developmental screens that families can do for their children starting at two months of age up to 5 years for the ASQ and 6 years for the ASQ:SE. They are a great way to track development, get activities they can do to encourage their child’s next level of development and is an opportunity if they have any concerns or questions about their child’s development. We can mail paper copies to families or the ASQ & SEs can be accessed online at www.asqonline.com/family/b6b7b6.

The Rick Hansen Foundation is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the Difference Maker of the Year Awards for the 2024-2025 school year. Since 2000, the Rick Hansen Foundation School Program (RHFSP) celebrates and recognizes youth, youth groups, and classrooms of youth from ages five to 18 years, who are making a positive impact in advancing inclusion and accessibility for people with physical disabilities within their school and community through the Difference Maker of the Year Awards.

From now until April 6, 2025 teachers and students can nominate exceptional individuals, youth groups and classrooms for their outstanding contributions to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

Award recipients are chosen by a selection committee that consists of previous Difference Maker of the Year Award recipients and members of the RHFSP Youth Leadership Committee. Individual award recipients will each receive an honorarium of $500 to recognize their work, while classrooms and youth groups will receive $1,000 to share.

Nominations close on April 6, 2025 at 11:59 Pacific Time.

For more information, eligibility requirements and to nominate someone today visit https://www.rickhansen.com/schools-communities/difference-maker-awards

"The need for social connection is ingrained in our biology. From early humans working in groups to survive, to today's collaborative workplaces and social networks, humans are hardwired to seek meaningful relationships. But in a world where we're more "connected" than ever through technology, real, quality connections are becoming rarer. This article explores why and how to build authentic connections that foster well-being, resilience, and a sense of belonging." Dr. Greg Wells

Visit Dr. Greg Wells' blog post on why community and connection matter, for tips on building deep connections and the health benefits of social connection.

Start connecting today!

The STEM Fellowship’s Digital Citizenship Graduation Award (DCGA) recognizes the unique contributions made by the digital leaders and influencers of tomorrow who use technology not just as a tool but as a force for positive change. This award looks at the collective to determine what characterizes responsible digital citizenship. This way, the award can keep evolving with the ever-changing digital world. Recipients of this award will have mentorship and coaching opportunities through RBC Future Launch and full access to Linkedin Learning’s various tools.

The DCGA recognizes students that have demonstrated responsibility, innovation, and creativity in the digital world throughout their high school years. These students go beyond academics as they succeed at learning about 21st-century tools through their classes or by themselves. Their projects or contributions demonstrate leadership in their school or their community at large.

The DCGA will be open to all graduating Canadian high school and CÉGEP students. Each school may nominate up to two students for the DCGA. The DCGA Awards will be handed out by the schools at their graduation ceremony.

For more details about the Digital Citizenship Graduation Award, please visit here: https://live.stemfellowship.org/digital-citizenship-graduation-award/